Shoulder Fracture - Dubai Fracture Clinic

Introduction:

• Shoulder fractures are most often caused by a fall, direct blow, motor accident or sports injuries such as football.
• Symptoms of shoulder fracture including sharp pain, swelling, bruising, inability to move the shoulder and bump on the shoulder area.

Types of fractures:

There are typically 3 types of shoulder fractures:

• Collarbone
• Top of the upper arm bone
• Shoulder blade

The type of fracture varies by age. Most fractures in children occur in the collarbone. Fractures of the upper part of the arm are more common in the older (over 65 years of age) population Shoulder blade fractures are rare, and usually, result from a motor vehicle accident or a severe fall.

Diagnosis:

• An open fracture is visible immediately because the bone protrudes through the skin.
• Most closed fractures are diagnosed with X-rays of the area and by physical examination. Sometimes, a CT scan is needed to see more detail.
• If a shoulder fracture is severe and physicians suspect the injury has affected nearby ligaments, tendons, or nerves, they may recommend MRI.

Treatment and Surgery:

• You need to visit an orthopedic physician for treatment of a fractured shoulder. Most collarbone fractures can be treated without surgery if the bone fragments are not shifted out of position.
• Treatment involves a sling, icing, and pain medications. Almost 80% of the shoulder fractures do not involve dislocation and hence surgery is not required.
• The surgery becomes necessary in the case of a compound fracture caused by a broken bone severely displaced out of its original position.
• In this procedure, typically the fracture is fixed with plates and screws or rods inside the bone. The procedure might also involve the repair of the damaged ligaments.
• Most fractures of the shoulder blade can be treated without surgery. Fractures that need surgery usually have fracture fragments involving the shoulder joint or there is an additional fracture of the collarbone. Surgery involves fixing the fractured fragments with plates and screws.

Recovery:

• Normal life activities after a shoulder fracture can be greatly affected for several weeks or even months.
• Most shoulder fractures whether treated surgically or otherwise require a period of complete non-movement of the shoulder using a sling or strap, followed by physiotherapy.
• Exercise will reduce stiffness, improve movement and help regain muscle strength.
• Shoulder fractures may leave a patient with permanent shoulder stiffness, regardless of how well the bones were repaired or joint replacement performed.
• The doctor will monitor the progress of the healing through periodic X-rays and feedback from the physiotherapist.

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